Team Herald
MARGAO: A large number of villagers from Velsao and neighbouring areas, including Pale, Issorcim, Cansaulim, Arossim, and Utorda, gathered at the South Goa Collectorate in Margao for the second hearing before the Inspector of Survey and Land Records (ISLR) on Friday, where they challenged the claims being made by the Railways. Their collective opposition to the double-tracking project by South Western Railway (SWR) highlights growing tensions between local residents and railway authorities.
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The ongoing matter, which has been under scrutiny since January 6, 2025, revolves around the claims of ownership made by SWR over parcels of land allegedly acquired during surveys conducted between 1968 and 1971. However, locals pointed out that according to the State Department of Revenue’s gazette notification issued on May 26, 2023, SWR was identified as being in possession of certain lands during that period, but no formal rights were assigned. This lack of documentation has been a central point of contention, with villagers presenting title documents dating back to the pre-liberation era to assert their ownership and challenge SWR’s claims.
Despite these unresolved legalities, villagers allege that SWR, through contractors Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and another agency, has trespassed onto their land. Construction of the second railway track at Primeirovaddo, Velsao, has reportedly blocked access to heritage homes, trapping residents’ vehicles within their compounds and severely disrupting daily life.
Goencho Ekvott (GE), an advocacy group spearheading the villagers’ resistance, has been vocal in its criticism of the railways’ actions. Speaking to the media, GE founder Orville Dourado Rodrigues accused the government of neglecting the rights of its citizens, who have lived on inherited lands for generations, predating the arrival of railways in the 1890s. “Our peaceful lives are being ghettoized by an indifferent government and reckless development,” he stated.
GE Secretary Olencio Simoes emphasised the strength of the villagers’ case, citing documentary evidence to counter the railways’ ownership claims. Simoes also questioned how construction could proceed without adhering to due process. When asked whether a stay had been granted, Rodrigues clarified, “The ISLR has stated they lack the authority to issue a stay. We have filed a suit in the District Court in Margao yesterday, seeking urgent relief.”
Villagers have expressed their frustration with the authorities’ inaction. They believe SWR’s actions not only disregard legal protocols but also violate their Right of Way (ROW), a route they have used since the 1800’s. The ongoing construction has led to blocked access roads and environmental damage, further aggravating
tensions.
The villagers remain hopeful for a favorable outcome as the ISLR court continues to hear the matter. Meanwhile, they have turned to the District Court for intervention to prevent further encroachment and to protect their ancestral lands from irreversible damage.
Legal action sought over violation of property rights
Team Herald
MARGAO: A formal complaint lodged by Sandra Rodrigues, a resident of Primeirovaddo, Velsao, has brought to light allegations of illegal land filling activities carried out by South Western Railway (SWR) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). According to Rodrigues, these activities have completely obstructed access to her property in Survey No 58/10, leaving her family stranded without the ability to use their vehicles.
In her letter addressed to multiple authorities, including the Mamlatdar of Mormugao, the Verna Police Inspector, the South Goa District Magistrate and the South Goa MP, Rodrigues detailed how the construction work had not only altered the natural terrain but also violated property rights. The land in question, she emphasized, lies outside the purview of any sanctioned land acquisition process. Despite this, she pointed out that SWR and RVNL have allegedly undertaken construction without adhering to legal procedures, causing significant hardship to local residents.
Rodrigues has appealed for immediate intervention under the Goa, Daman, and Diu Mamlatdar’s Court Act, 1966, which provides remedies for obstruction of rightful access. She has urged the authorities to investigate the illegal activities, halt the ongoing work, and restore her property’s access. The complaint also seeks legal action against those responsible for the alleged encroachments.
Rodrigues has sought immediate intervention from the authorities to address the issue.
